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Local theatre group reports strong attendance, proposes children’s camp and flags $2.1M funding gap
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Summary
The community theatre reported record ticket sales, proposed a 10‑day children’s theatre camp starting June 29 pending state licensing, and said a planned lobby/education building now has a professional cost estimate of about $5.1 million versus a $3 million fundraising milestone.
A local theatre representative reported strong audience growth, a plan to launch a small summer children’s camp, and a significant increase in the estimated cost of a planned expansion project.
Britney Singer, speaking for the theatre, said the company has expanded programming and now regularly sells close to 900 seats per show run, up from earlier averages. She described multigenerational programming, youth outreach and partnerships with the Carriage Barn and library.
On programming for children, the theatre proposed a two‑week day camp that would begin June 29 and run about 10 days. The group said it is navigating state licensing requirements, has completed pediatric first-aid and AED training for staff, and is seeking a local physician or RN to sign off as part of licensing. The presenters estimated a modest first‑year enrollment of roughly 6–12 children and said staffing would include experienced directors and potentially high‑school junior counselors if numbers grow.
On capital projects, the theatre reported it had reached a $3,000,000 fundraising milestone toward an expanded lobby and education building but that a recent professional estimate raised the full cost to about $5.1 million. "We did do that [re‑estimate]. They came in and said, no. It's going to be 5.1," the presenter said. The group told the commission it will present phased‑build options to deliver high‑priority elements with the funds now available and continue a second‑phase campaign for the remainder.
Commissioners asked about the timing of licensing paperwork for the camp and next steps for the capital campaign; staff asked the presenters to return at the May 13 meeting with state approvals or a final timeline. The theatre asked the commission for informal support and said it will follow required town reviews before any construction or expanded programming begins.
